Implementation of Bilateral Plans for Consolidating Facilities and Areas in Okinawa

U.S.-Japan Joint Press Release

December 4, 2015

  1. The Governments of Japan and the United States reaffirmed that the robust and stable forward presence of U.S. forces in Japan enables the Alliance to provide deterrence and the capabilities necessary for the defense of Japan and the peace and security in the region. The two Governments therefore reconfirmed their commitment to implement the initiatives in the May 2006 "Japan-United States Roadmap for Realignment Implementation," as further refined in the April 2013 "Consolidation Plan for Facilities and Areas in Okinawa," which will be updated based upon the following.
  2. To advance the process of U.S. forces consolidation in Okinawa, which is designed to maintain a force posture capable of responding effectively to future challenges and operational contingencies across the region, while mitigating the impact of U.S. forces on local communities, the two Governments shared the view regarding the following measures on the return or joint use of facilities and areas in Okinawa.

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma

  1. The Governments of Japan and the United States reconfirmed that the plan to construct the Futenma Replacement Facility (FRF) at the Camp Schwab-Henokosaki area and adjacent waters is the only solution that addresses operational, political, financial, and strategic concerns and avoids the continued use of MCAS Futenma. The two Governments reconfirmed their unwavering commitment to the plan.
  2. The two Governments confirmed that they would accelerate work on the return of lands along the eastern side of MCAS Futenma (approximately 4 ha), which was confirmed at the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee in June 1990. The bilateral intent is to realize this return in JFY 2017, subject to the completion of necessary steps and procedures by the Government of Japan. This return is to be reflected in the triennial update of the "Consolidation Plan for Facilities and Areas in Okinawa."

The Industrial Corridor of Camp Zukeran (Camp Foster)

  1. As part of the consolidation effort, the Governments of Japan and the United States also shared the view to establish a Joint Use Agreement promptly that will enable Ginowan City to begin construction in JFY2017 of an elevated road above portions of Camp Zukeran (Camp Foster) to connect Route 58 to the former West Futenma Housing Area. To this end, the two Governments will support Ginowan City's access to the area for necessary work, including surveys to be started in 2016.
  2. The two Governments reiterated their intent to continue their efforts in accordance with the "Consolidation Plan for Facilities and Areas in Okinawa," which notes, regarding Camp Zukeran (Camp Foster), that it "[c]an be returned upon completion of conditions and necessary procedures for return" and "[e]fforts will be made to return the south end of the Industrial Corridor at the earliest possible date by considering a phased return." The two Governments also understand that in order to maintain coherent and comprehensive implementation of the consolidation plan, any further discussions of phased returns regarding the Camp Zukeran (Camp Foster) will occur in the context of the triennial update of the "Consolidation Plan for Facilities and Areas in Okinawa."

Makiminato Service Area (Camp Kinser)

  1. The Governments of Japan and the United States shared the view to commence necessary work promptly to achieve in JFY 2017 return of the land (approximately 3ha) of Makiminato Service Area (Camp Kinser) adjacent to Route 58 for the purpose of widening the Route and reducing traffic congestion. This return is subject to the completion of necessary steps and procedures by the two Governments, which include construction of infrastructures that meet the U.S. forces security standard as well as other measures that meet the U.S. forces security standards.
  2. The two Governments confirmed the intent to continue their efforts in a proactive manner towards the total return of Makiminato Service Area (Camp Kinser) based on the "Consolidation Plan for Facilities and Areas in Okinawa." The two Governments also understand that in order to maintain coherent and comprehensive implementation of the consolidation plan, any further land return discussions regarding Makiminato Service Area (Camp Kinser) will occur in the context of the triennial update of the "Consolidation Plan for Facilities and Areas in Okinawa."

Northern Training Area

  1. The Governments of Japan and the United States reaffirmed the significance and urgency of the return of a major portion (approximately 3,987 ha) of the Northern Training Area, which was confirmed in the 1996 SACO Final Report. The two Governments therefore reconfirmed their commitment to complete the bilaterally agreed conditions necessary to facilitate the Northern Training Area's expeditious return.

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